NORTHBROOK, IL, January 31, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Peter Candelora of Coastal Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine announced today it would join the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund's (GGAF) medical program that provides millions of dollars in donated medical care to retired NFL players in dire need. Gridiron Greats is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose purpose is to provide financial aid and medical assistance to former NFL players and their families in dire need. GGAF's medical program is a humanitarian initiative and intended to provide a wide variety of medical treatments to retired NFL players with little or no means to pay for medical care. Players who qualify will not incur any costs for evaluations, medical procedures or rehabilitation they receive from GGAF official medical partners.

Coastal Orthopaedics in New Port Richey, Florida joins a growing portfolio of facilities offering pro bono surgical and medical services to GGAF members in need of a number of procedures such as knee and hip replacement surgery and physical therapy for past injuries. "By enlisting the support of partners like Coastal Orthopaedics, GGAF is able to provide no-cost, quality healthcare to these men who have nowhere else to turn", said Shannon Jordan, Gridiron Greats President. "Because of their generosity many players lives will be changed and we are truly grateful. Our collective goal is to get these great men and their families back on their feet."

Vincent Hudson and Dr. Robert Palumbo from OAA Orthopedic Specialists in Allentown, PA oversee the GGAF Medical Advisory Committee and handle the administrative and quality assurance aspects of the medical program. Vincent Hudson just returned from visiting Dr. Peter Candelora and his team in Florida. "This is a state of the art practice that has a plethora of facilities that will provide a variety of orthopaedic and sports-related injury care", said Vincent Hudson. "Dr. Candelora has an extensive sports medicine and reconstructive background that will fit the needs of our players."

"There's been a lot of talk in recent years about the medical issues many retired players face due to the game and the lack of post career healthcare or affordable insurance," said Gridiron Greats Chairman Mike Ditka. "This has resulted in many players being forced into dire situations. There's been too much talk and not enough action. We're very appreciative to Dr. Candelora and Coastal Orthopaedics for their generosity in helping these retired players."

"We are very proud to be a part of such a worthy cause," said Dr. Peter Candelora. "We want to help advance some of the orthopaedic needs of these retired athletes. These are the people who helped give us the great sport of football and made the game what it is today. Their efforts and talents in their day are deserving of our knowledge and abilities today. We look forward to working with this great organization."

This growing medical initiative is facilitated through the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. Retired NFL players can apply to the program by contacting GGAF offices at (847) 509-3086 or by visiting www.gridirongreats.org to fill out an application. Other medical facilities interested in joining the medical program please contact the GGAF office.

About Coastal Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
We are a practice located in New Port Richey, Fl - a short distance from Tampa Bay. We strive to make patient care and satisfaction is our primary goal. We stay in the forefront of current, safe and cost effective orthopedic care. Innovative services and excellence is the expected standard for all of our patients and their families.

About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF) is a non-stock, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing financial grants and 'pro bono' medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues, which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

The GGAF's mission is to assist dire need retired NFL players who were pioneers of the game and who have greatly contributed to the NFL's status as the most popular sport in America. GGAF provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, transportation costs for medical evaluations and surgeries, housing assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, and coordination of services for food, automotive payments and childcare.

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